2018 Illinois Law Changes
States are always trying to improve their laws to protect its citizens. It’s important to stay informed about law changes happening in your state so you know your rights. Illinois is having a few major changes in 2018 that will affect different areas of the law.
What’s Changing for Drivers in Illinois?
There are a few changes to the law that Illinois drivers should know about.
First, in regard to driver safety, a law has been passed about dealership stickers/paperwork on cars during test-drives. Often at car dealerships, the windows have stickers or paperwork that could obstruct the driver’s view and create a major hazard. Now, car dealers can’t let motorists drive from their property if the vehicle’s windows have anything that would hinder the driver’s sight of the road.
HB0733 (Amended 625 IlCS § 5/12-503), effective January 1, 2018, amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. This section provides that no new or used motor vehicle dealer shall permit a driver to drive a motor vehicle offered for sale or lease off premises where the motor vehicle is being offered for sale or lease, including when the driver is test driving the vehicle, with signs, decals, paperwork, or other material on the front windshield or on the windows immediately adjacent to each side of the driver that would obstruct the driver’s view. Defines “test driving”. Effective January 1, 2018.
This safety measure may lead to the prevention of a senseless motor vehicle collision occurring from obstructed vision.
Second, regarding bicycle safety, a law has been passed that permits a driver of a motor vehicle to overtake and pass to the left of a bicyclist in a designated no-passing zone when certain requirements are met and requires cyclists to have a steady or flahing red light visible from a distance of 500 feet in addition to or instead of a red reflector.
HB1784 (House Committee Amendment No. 3) (Amends 625 IlCS §§ 5/11-703, 707, 709.1, 1505 and 1707), effective January 1, 2018, Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the left of a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a portion of a highway designated as a no-passing zone when: (1) the bicycle is traveling at a speed of less than half of the posted speed limit of the highway; (2) the driver is able to overtake and pass the bicycle without exceeding the posted speed limit of the highway; and (3) there is sufficient distance to the left of the centerline of the highway for the motor vehicle to meet the overtaking and passing requirements in the Code. Provides that the rear of a bicycle may be equipped with a lamp emitting a steady or flashing red light (rather than only a red light) visible from a distance of 500 feet in addition to or instead of a red reflector (rather than in addition to a red reflector).
Having the proper safety equipment on a bicycle can prevent a collision from occurring.
In the past, there was a statute of limitations for cases involving aggravated DUIs (driving under the influence) that ended in death. Now, the statute of limitations has been lifted. This could provide comfort to families who have lost loved ones in car accidents caused by a reckless and intoxicated driver. The law could also prevent dangerous drivers from continuing to endanger others on the road.
HB3084 (Amended 625 ILCS § 5/6-603 & 720 ILCS § 5/3-3), effective January 1, 2018, Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the penalties for driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle on any highway of this State at a time when the person’s driver’s license, permit or privilege to do so or the privilege to obtain a driver’s license or permit is revoked or suspended because of a violation of the reckless homicide statute also applies to aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, or intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination thereof when the violation was a proximate cause of the death of another person. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Provides that a prosecution for aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, or intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination thereof when the violation was a proximate cause of the death of another person may be commenced at any time.
Finally, under the Driver For Life Act, teenagers 16-17 can now become organ and tissue donors when they apply for a new driver’s license. This could potentially save many lives of people who are in need of an organ transplant or tissue. While the bill gives the parents of a minor the right to veto their younger teen’s choice, it seems that few have opted to do so.
What’s Changing About Dangerous Drug Law?
Dangerous drugs have a high risk of dependency and abuse. When these drugs are administered incorrectly, the results can be lethal. Unfortunately, overdosing is a cause of death that should have been prevented. Now in Illinois, a drug induced homicide includes an imprisonment term for someone who has given another person a fatal dose of a drug.
While many people may associate overdoses with people who are addicted to drugs, these mistakes can also happen because of medical malpractice. If the patient’s paperwork is incorrect or directions given by a caregiver are illegible, medical professionals can make mistakes that could severely injure or kill the patient.
Have Any Questions About How These Laws Affect Your Personal Injury Case?
If you have been injured and want to pursue a personal injury claim, you may wonder how these laws affect you. Get in touch with a Chicago personal injury lawyer from the Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys and schedule a free consultation today. You’ll discuss your case and how these laws affect it with a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury lawyer.
